It is a great pleasure to present Current Topics of Infectious Diseases in Japan and Asia. This is a memorable scienti? c publication for Showa University, prepared in conjunction with the 6th Annual Meeting, Showa International Symposium for Life Sciences, held at the university in 2009. This symposium was supported in part by Grants for the Pro- tion of the Advancement of Education and Research in Graduate School. On behalf of Showa University, it is a privilege to see the publication of this volume of scienti? c research articles for the advancement of knowledge about infectious diseases in Japan and Asia. Akiyoshi Hosoyamada, M.D., Ph.D. President Showa University, Tokyo, Japan February 2010 Preface The 6th Annual Meeting, Showa International Symposium for Life Sciences, hosted by Showa University, was held in the university's Kamijo Hall on September 19, 2009. The symposium was entitled "Current Topics of Infectious Diseases in Japan and Asia" and focused on various infectious diseases in the region. Two prominent researchers from overseas - Dr. Lee Ching Ng from Singapore and Dr. Guanghui Li from China - and eight Japanese speakers gave lectures, which were followed by productive discussions, with special comments by Dr. Patricio N. Abinales of Kyoto University.

Fuzzy logic has become an important tool for a number of different applications ranging from the control of engineering systems to artificial intelligence. In this concise introduction, the author presents a succinct guide to the basic ideas of fuzzy logic, fuzzy sets, fuzzy relations, and fuzzy reasoning, and shows how they may be applied. The book culminates in a chapter which describes fuzzy logic control: the design of intelligent control systems using fuzzy if-then rules which make use of human knowledge and experience to behave in a manner similar to a human controller. Throughout, the level of mathematical knowledge required is kept basic and the concepts are illustrated with numerous diagrams to aid in comprehension. As a result, all those curious to know more about fuzzy concepts and their real-world application will find this a good place to start.

It is a great pleasure to present Current Topics of Infectious Diseases in Japan and Asia. This is a memorable scienti? c publication for Showa University, prepared in conjunction with the 6th Annual Meeting, Showa International Symposium for Life Sciences, held at the university in 2009. This symposium was supported in part by Grants for the Pro- tion of the Advancement of Education and Research in Graduate School. On behalf of Showa University, it is a privilege to see the publication of this volume of scienti? c research articles for the advancement of knowledge about infectious diseases in Japan and Asia. Akiyoshi Hosoyamada, M.D., Ph.D. President Showa University, Tokyo, Japan February 2010 Preface The 6th Annual Meeting, Showa International Symposium for Life Sciences, hosted by Showa University, was held in the university's Kamijo Hall on September 19, 2009. The symposium was entitled "Current Topics of Infectious Diseases in Japan and Asia" and focused on various infectious diseases in the region. Two prominent researchers from overseas - Dr. Lee Ching Ng from Singapore and Dr. Guanghui Li from China - and eight Japanese speakers gave lectures, which were followed by productive discussions, with special comments by Dr. Patricio N. Abinales of Kyoto University.